anxiolytic drug
- noun
- /ˌæŋ.zi.oʊˈlɪt.ɪk drʌg/
- Specialized
:
fármaco ansiolítico
- The doctor prescribed an anxiolytic drug to help manage her panic attacks.
Examples
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Many patients find that an anxiolytic drug helps them relax.
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Many anxiolytic drugs work by enhancing the effects of neurotransmitters in the brain.
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He was concerned about the possible side effects of taking an anxiolytic drug long-term.
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The doctor prescribed an anxiolytic drug for her anxiety.
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The doctor prescribed an anxiolytic drug to help manage her anxiety before tests.
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Many patients feel calmer after taking an anxiolytic drug for their anxiety issues.
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An anxiolytic drug can be helpful for those experiencing severe stress and tension.
Synonyms
52
6.1
A medicine that makes a person calmer and reduces worry or tension without making them sleepy
1
9.9
A medicine that makes you feel less anxious and tense
1
4.2
A drug or treatment that makes someone feel less worried
A drug that reduces anxiety and makes you feel calmer
A medicine that reduces stress without making you feel confused
A medicine that makes worry and stress less without making you very sleepy
A mild medicine that reduces anxiety and tension
How Calming
- Specialized
76
5.4
- Specialized
- Specialized
52
6.1
- Specialized
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun phrase is compositionally transparent: 'anxiolytic' means 'reducing anxiety' and 'drug' means 'a medicinal substance', so a learner who knows both constituents can directly infer 'a drug that reduces anxiety'. The form is a straightforward adjective + noun combination and has clear cross‑linguistic cognates (e.g. anxiolítico), supporting immediate comprehension.
Etymology
The term anxiolytic drug may come from two word parts: anxio- meaning 'anxiety' and -lytic meaning 'to loosen or break'. So the idea of a medicine that 'loosens' or 'breaks' anxiety explains why it means 'a drug that reduces anxiety and calms tension'.